By Shakir Husain
NEW DELHI: India and Indonesia on Saturday signed a number of agreements, including one to boost maritime security cooperation, to expand their relations.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Indian Coast Guard and Indonesia’s maritime security agency Bakamla was one of the MOUs exchanged after talks between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
“The agreement signed today in maritime safety and security will further strengthen our cooperation in crime prevention, search and rescue and capacity building,” Modi said.
Other MOUs were signed to increase cooperation in the fields of health, traditional medicine, culture and digital technology.
Modi said the two countries discussed diversifying market access and the trade basket to increase bilateral trade that reached US$30 billion last year.
India and Indonesia have discussed collaboration in defence manufacturing and supply chains to strengthen their defence sector ties, he stated.
Modi described Indonesia as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN regions, saying the two countries were committed to maintain a rules-based order in these geographical areas.
The year 2025 will be celebrated as India-ASEAN Year of Tourism, the Indian leader said.
Prabowo described the talks between the Indian and Indonesian delegations as “very intensive and frank”, covering key areas of common interests.
The Indonesian president said he wants to accelerate the economic partnership with India.
Indonesia is keen to attract Indian hospitals and seeks training opportunities for its doctors and medical personnel, Jaideep Mazumdar, secretary east at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing.
Prabowo in the morning received a ceremonial welcome at the presidential palace known as Rashtrapati Bhawan.
He arrived in India, accompanied by six cabinet ministers and senior officials, on Thursday night for a four-day visit and will be the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day parade event on Sunday morning.— BERNAMA
